More than once Jesus said to His disciples, “Why reason ye among yourselves” (Matthew 16:8), or, “Why are you asking one another of what I said? Ask me!” Jesus is the source of eternal truth. If you want to get your doctrines and beliefs straight, saying what Jesus says in a given matter, go to Jesus, go to the Word of God – the Bible, especially the four gospel accounts that contain the very words that Jesus spoke.
Many in reading the scriptures, especially the gospel accounts – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – fail to take into account the preconceived ideas and beliefs of our Lord’s disciples upon reading some of the questions His disciples asked Jesus. Remember, Jesus’ disciples did not expect a sacrificed Messiah. When He spoke of His impending betrayal and crucifixion, they asked one another “What is He saying? What does He mean?” They expected a conquering Messiah – a glorious one who would throw off the Roman yoke and return Jerusalem and Israel to their former glory. “Then He took unto Him the twelve, and said unto them, ‘Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished, for He shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on, and they shall scourge Him, and put Him to death, and the third day He shall rise again.’ AND THEY UNDERSTOOD NONE OF THESE THINGS, AND THIS SAYING WAS HID FROM THEM, NEITHER KNEW THEY THE THINGS WHICH WERE SPOKEN.” (Luke 18:31-34).
Who do you think was hiding these truths from the disciples? Satan, of course. NEVER underestimate the deceiving POWER of Satan. Here was Jesus, in person, speaking as plainly as language will allow to His own disciples and Satan hid from them the plain truths Jesus was uttering. And, he will do the same with you, friend, whoever you are. These disciples, from the time they were little boys, had heard and been taught that the coming Messiah would be the greatest. most successful leader Israel would ever have. He would outshine Moses and Joshua, David and Solomon. He would deliver Israel from all her oppressors. So, when Jesus said He would be delivered into Roman hands, mocked, spat upon, whipped and put to death, Satan was easily able to hide from them the plain truth of Christ’s words. So, too, with the “rapture” teaching and most Christians of today. Christian denominations have taught profound error for so long to so many, now when they hear the truth, if it is ever presented to them at all, they can’t receive it. Jesus’ own words can be read or quoted to them verbatim, still it is hid from them neither know they the things which are spoken.
Instead of proclaiming a deliverance of His followers by a secret “rapture” Jesus point blank warns them “Then shall they (the unbelievers, to-wit, the followers of a then worldwide false religion at the close of the times of the Gentiles – yet future) deliver you up to be afflicted, AND SHALL KILL YOU, and ye shall be hated of ALL nations for my name’s sake (because you are Christians).” Christians are then hated by all nations as all nations at that time will then be followers of a worldwide religion that will proclaim God has no Son and teach it is blasphemy warranting the death penalty for teaching such. ALL nations means ALL nations, to-wit, America, England, Canada, Ireland Italy, Mexico, etc. This prophecy was never fulfilled in the past with the hatred of the Jews as the Jews were never hated and killed in all nations. The pogroms against the Jews were carried out in only a few nations in Europe and the Middle East. And even the nations wherein the Jews were hated, they were not hated by all the inhabitants of that nation.
“And then (at the time of this slaughtering of Christians in all nations) shall many be offended (Greek “caused to stumble, led to sin, apostasize – embracing this false religion), and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another” (Matthew 24:10). “And many false prophets (preachers, teachers) shall rise (by the thousands, scores in every community), and shall deceive many (prior to the surfacing of this great false religion)” (verse 11). This is as certain as the rising of tomorrow’s sun, friend. You don’t have to believe it. Truth remains truth whether it is accepted or rejected. There are 52 countries where the Bible is now banned or severely restricted. At the time of the end, the time immediately preceding our Lord’s return, the Bible will be totally banned in all countries of the world. Friend, the only “rapture” this generation is going to experience is that which they enjoy when buying their first new car, marrying the love of their life, or holding their first child in their arms. Please believe that for it is so. Continued in Part 2.
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley